This is just a short drive out of the city and feels very isolated relative to how close it actually is to Dubai. The other resort we went to was Ghantoot which is around 40km outside of Dubai on the way to Abu Dhabi. This resort has a great beach area and lots of activities if you’re looking for more than lounging around on the beach. There was wakeboarding, tubing and small sailboats to take out in the protected area off the beach for a fee. They even off seaplane flights for those wanting to see Dubai from another perspective. There is a small zoo for the kids and you might even see some peacocks running around outside the hotel! The pool area and cafe are often have live music during the weekends and there were plenty of expats hanging out. There's a marina next to the resort and on the opposite side of the resort a beach area I was told by a long-time expat that people can camp at for free. The location of Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa is next to the unfinished Jebel Ali Palm islands. You can still see the unfinished bridge going to the ‘trunk of the palm’ pictured below. There are 3 palm island developments in Dubai and the most developed and successful one is in Jumeraih. The Jebel Ali Palm Island is a remnant of the financial crisis and is one of the construction sites that were abandoned as a result.

The tall tower is a good landmark to know you are getting close and is the last picture below